Agriculture

Limpopo agriculture MEC Kekana launches Food and Nutrition Security Survey

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a World Food commemorative Day in Ga-Selwane in Mopani District on Tuesday, October 29.

MEC Nakedi Kekana said the occasion holds particular importance as “we launch the Food and Nutrition Security Survey”, a vital tool in understanding and addressing the food security challenges faced by our communities.

She said World Food Day commemoration is a reminder of a responsibility to create a world where everyone has access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.

For 44 years, nations worldwide have gathered to confront the issues of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity.

“As Limpopo, we are committed to the global goals for a future free of hunger, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This year’s theme, “Right to foods for a better life and a better future,” encapsulates our commitment to ensuring a greater diversity of nutritious foods accessible to all. Today’s theme is especially significant here in Limpopo, where nearly 70% of households rely on agriculture for food production. Despite this strong foundation, many face significant challenges due to small land sizes, limited access to resources, and rising costs for essential farming inputs,” said the MEC.

Kekana went on to say the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, together with partners, has been at the forefront of addressing these obstacles and advocating for policy changes that support food security, agricultural sustainability, and economic growth in rural communities.

“South Africa’s government has prioritised agricultural productivity, job creation, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution as part of its approach to food security. We recognise that agriculture plays a central role in creating employment and reducing poverty and inequality. Programs like Fetsa Tlala, Ilima Letsema, and the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) are designed to stimulate food production, enhance local food systems, and increase rural household incomes. Through these efforts, we aim to empower our communities to produce food and make significant strides toward poverty alleviation and food security,” she said.

Furthermore, Kekana mentioned that the event also marks the launch of the Food and Nutrition Security Survey, conducted in collaboration with the HSRC.

“This survey provides us with valuable insights into the state of food security in Limpopo and helps us to understand how best to address specific community needs. The data collected from this survey will be instrumental in shaping our food security policies and initiatives, allowing us to direct resources to the areas and households most in need. In Mopani District, the survey found that only 20% of households involved in mopane worm harvesting are food secure, highlighting the need for expanded food access initiatives,” said Kekana.

She said one of the essential elements of Limpopo’s food security strategy is to address the root causes of poverty and create opportunities for sustainable income generation.

Through initiatives such as the Ilima Letsema program, said the MEC, we provide agricultural inputs and resources to small-scale farmers, empowering them to boost their production capacities.

“Moreover, the Fetsa Tlala program aims to plant more staple foods on unused arable land, ensuring that no fertile soil goes to waste and supporting local food production at the grassroots level.”

The MEC added that an important step towards sustainable food security is the initiative to plant edible fruit trees around Ga Selwana Sports Ground.

“By integrating fruit-bearing trees into our public spaces, we aim to create a readily available source of nutrition for the community. These trees not only provide sustenance but also contribute to environmental sustainability, enhance biodiversity, and promote community involvement in food production. This initiative is an example of how we are incorporating green, food-based solutions into our local food security strategy,” explains the MEC.

In keeping with our tradition, the department constructed a “Food Mountain” at the venue—a symbol of community-driven food production.

“This mound represents our belief that communities must have the means to grow their own food, reduce dependency on purchased goods, and save on their monthly expenditures. Vulnerable households often spend a significant portion of their income on food alone. By empowering them to produce food, we can alleviate some of their financial burdens, allowing them to use their resources on other critical needs such as education, healthcare, and utilities.”

Additionally, as part of the department’s commitment to those most in need, food parcels will be distributed to 200 identified households in the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.

The MEC said the parcels represent more than just a day’s sustenance as they also symbolises the support, solidarity, and dedication of this government and community towards alleviating the struggles faced by the most vulnerable among us.

“This is far from being enough. It is just a drop in the ocean, but I have it makes some difference.”

The MEC officially launched the survey done by the National Department, through the HSRC from 2020, and directed officials and the relevant stakeholders to come together, draft an implementation plan, and ensure it’s ready for execution as a matter of urgency.

“In your meetings, ensure that you specifically zoom on the matters affecting food security, and bring about much needed change in our society.”

In closing, she urged all partners, stakeholders, and community members to continue supporting initiatives that drive food security and rural development.

“The journey towards a food-secure Limpopo and South Africa requires more than just policy—it requires the active involvement of each one of us. We must unite to empower our farmers, protect our natural resources, and create environments where every household could meet its food needs sustainably,” concluded the MEC.

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